Media Resources

Media Resources

‘Love & Friendship’ at World Famous Gay Music & Matchmaking Festival ‘The Outing’ returns in 2019 for two Day Festival in late September. Now in its sixth year, the ever fast growing offshoot of the historical matchmaking festival is back and bigger than ever. With Irish and International stars, LGBT+ singer song writers to pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, Film & Arts Festival and interactive events, it’s a guaranteed craic-filled weekend away on Ireland’s stunning west coast.
Eddie McGuinness Gay Matchmaker at The Outing to Ring Master of Love this year will be for Blind Date Paul Ryder hostess with the mostest plus Candy Warhol lots more.

Fun and maybe Love. As Panti Bliss said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’

The Outing Festival “We are on the Move & #ShareTheLove” 2019

The Outing Festival “We are on the Move & #ShareTheLove”

World’s Only LGBT+ Music & Matchmaking Festival

27th & 28th September 2019

The Inn at Dromoland, Co, Clare, Ireland

The Outing Festival, ‘Love for Music, Arts & Matchmaking’ – now in our seventh year, a new twist on old traditions. Our Award Winning and World Famous The Outing Festival is calling all singles, couples and groups – gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, straight and their friends to join us for this fun-filled LGBT+ Weekend like no other in the world in the west of Ireland 27th & 28th September 2019.

The Outing Festival is on the move from the village of Love Lisdoonvarna after six year, as we share the Love when move to on the grounds of Dromoland Castle & take over The Inn at Dromoland, Co. Clare in the West of Ireland 27th & 28th Sept.

With a bigger location and even more in store as The Outing goes into our seventh year of the festival, we have new partners like vaping brand blu, who are coming on board as a platinum sponsor.

blu’s Irish Head of Marketing Carmel Balala said; ‘’blu, Ireland’s newest vaping brand, is about freedom of choice, of self-expression and about being who you are. Therefore we are proud to be supporting The Outing Festival. We will be giving vapers the chance of experiencing our new myblu range of products at the festival in September.’’

Carmel went on to say; ‘’The Outing Festival is continuing to go from strength to strength with the indefatigable Eddie McGuinness at the helm and we are proud to be associated with it.’’

People have traveled from all over the world to the festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Of course, matchmaking plays a huge part of the festival but The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGBT community so whether you’re single or taken, gay, trans, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.

“We came all the way over from the USA and had an awesome time. Who knew there were so many hot Irish people….BOOM!” said US visitor Chad Boulton and it’s not just the visitors who have a great time, the performers love it too.

“WOW! Great Craic. Amazing to be part of something from the start. I could have song all night long the crowd were up for more Thank you,” commented Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh after her performance at the festival and she is returning in 2018 for even bigger show.

As Panti Bliss said “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of “traditional Irishness” to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish”

“An LGBT weekend away like no other”, according to former festival host Panti Bliss, The Outing is a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands and some of Ireland’s & International best Dj’s, Performers and drag artists. But don’t forget why you’re here in the first place. This is a matchmaking festival and you’re looking for love or friendship.

Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ said Eddie McGuinness Festival Director & Gay Matchmaker.

The Outing is a spectacular weekend like no other that celebrates life, love, and diversity. We’ll have news of the full line-up soon but in the meantime follow them on Twitter (@theouting_ie) and Facebook (@TheOutingFestival) to keep up-to-date with all of the latest announcements and get set for a wonderful weekend this 27th & 28th September 2019 The Inn at Dromoland, Co, Clare, Ireland.

‘Love Comes to Does Who Wonder’ weekend 6th-8th October 2017

‘Love Comes to Does Who Wonder’

World Famous ‘The Outing’ returns to Lisdoonvarna

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival has been a staple of Irish life for over 160 years. Every year, singles flock to the town in the hope of meeting someone special or even just making new friends. Five years ago, an offshoot festival just for L.G.B.T people was created ‘The Outing’ which returns the weekend of 6th – 8th October 2017 this year for what is sure to be its biggest year yet.

Everyone is welcome! The festival calls singles, couples and groups of friends – straight or gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and their friends – to The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking Festival for this fun-filled weekend. There’s no restriction (other than being over 18 years of age) on this inclusive and entertaining twist on an old tradition. And of course there is matchmaking, blind dates and speed dating aspects for singles too. They’ve put together a line-up of acts and entertainment that this little village in the West of Co. Clare, Ireland won’t soon forget and they’d be delighted to share them with you and your friends, whoever you are!

People have travelled from all over the world to the festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events in the beautiful town of Lisdoonvarna which is in Co. Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way. Of course, matchmaking plays a huge part of the festival but The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGBT community so whether you’re single or taken, gay, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.

“We came all the way over from the USA and had a awesome time. Who knew there was so many hot Irish people….BOOM!” said US visitor Chad Boulton and it’s not just the visitors who have a great time, the performers love it too.

“WOW! Great Craic. Amazing to be part of something from the start. I could have song all night long the crowd were up for more Thank you,” commented Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh after her performance at the festival and she is returning this year for even bigger show.

Last year saw the likes of B*Witched, Alan Hughes (TV3), Jonny Woo and singers, song writers, comedians lots more appear at the festival and there’s sure to be a stellar line-up again this year, with something for everyone to enjoy. We even had a ‘Love Boat’ a love cruise like no other under the Cliffs of Moher at sun set. This is a party not to be missed and if you need to take a break and recharge your batteries over the weekend, there are a whole host of amazing tourist attractions not too far away, with the likes of The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher not too far away.

The Outing is a spectacular weekend like no other that celebrates life, love and diversity. We’ll have news of the full line-up later in the year but in the meantime follow them on Twitter (@theouting_ie) and Facebook (@TheOutingFestival) to keep up-to-date with all of the latest announcements and get set for a wonderful weekend this October 6th-8th in Lisdoonvarna Co.Clare.

World's only Matchmaking LGBT Festival attracts Top International Media to Lisdoonvarna

Press Release

Friday, 7th October 2016

World’s Only Matchmaking LGBT Festival Attracts Top International Media to Lisdoonvarna

A group of top international media, with a combined circulation of almost 6 million, have arrived in Ireland to document the Irish LGBT tourism experience – The Outing, in Lisdoonvarna.

The trip, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, will allow the journalists (from Canada, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and the UK) and Canadian TV crew with host Adamo Angelo Ruggiero a well-known actor in Canada, to meet some influential figures in Ireland’s LGBT community. The group will experience Dublin on a Gay walking tour of the city with DJ and activist Tonie Walsh, attend ‘The Outing in Lisdoonvarna’ – the world’s only LGBT matchmaking festival, and take in some of the most iconic experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Speaking of the visit, Head of International Publicity for Fáilte Ireland, Ciara Sugrue said:

“This is without a doubt one of the largest press groups we have hosted for this festival, and the sheer circulation of the visiting media will undoubtedly position Ireland as a must-see place to visit in 2017 and beyond. Last year’s referendum has raised the profile of Ireland among the global LGBT community – a market with good potential growth for Ireland – so ensuring this group of influential media enjoy all that Ireland has to offer is paramount.”

As part of a bespoke itinerary designed by Fáilte Ireland the group have an action packed few days with highlights including meeting with Willie Daly at the Hydro Hotel for some traditional matchmaking and a welcome Céili, a visit to the Burren Smokehouse brand new music venue, meet with John Connolly from Burren Wild Tours for an introduction to a working farm and lunch at Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory, finishing with a cruise around the Cliffs with Doolin Ferries.

The Outing festival is now in its fourth year and is growing into a major off shoot festival of its own from the main 160 year old traditional matchmaking festival. Eddie McGuinness, Director of The Outing Festival said –

“We are delighted to see the interest from so many countries on the world’s only LGBT Music & Matchmaking festival here in Lisdoonvarna. We are delighted to be able to extend a big Irish welcome and to be able to entertain this group of overseas media during their time in Ireland.

“Since the referendum, Ireland has shown the world that its doors are open to the LGBT market, as more and more people from the gay, lesbian, bi and trans community come to Ireland not only to visit but to find love and even marry here. It is now up to us, and the wider tourism sector, to provide our famous Céad Míle Fáilte so that we can make the most of this opportunity.”

This trip just is part of a wider programme of supports provided to Irish tourism businesses by Fáilte Ireland in collaboration with Tourism Ireland.

The Outing weekend Schedule 7th, 8th &9th

The Glory London head to west of Ireland for The Outing

The Glory are delighted to be going to The Outing in October! An LGBT matchmaking festival in beautiful Ireland (a queer version of Ireland’s very quirky and traditional Lisdoonvarna festival) with drag queen super star Panti Bliss, Alan Hughes and of course B*Witched!

The Glory will be taking a range of shows to this gorgeous weekend, including A Night At The Musicals (with Jonny Woo and operatic queen Le Gateau Chocolat). Irish drag queen Jonbenet Blonde is also coming with us, hosting a Glo-Rave with JOHN SIZZLE. And Irish singer Rudi Douglas will perform The Glory’s ‘Big Gay Songbook’, also with Jonny Woo.

The Outing are offering very affordable deals for any Londoners who fancy joining us for this idyllic little Irish break. More information here. COME WITH US!

WIN A TRIP!

Also we’ll be giving away a free trip for two people to come with us. This will happen at our queer ceilidh on September 4th. That’s right! We’re having “A FECKIN’ CEILIDH” party here, completely free, on Sunday 4th September – here at The Glory pub. See the event page

Take a look at our images from Press Launch The Outing 2016

Images of Artist 2016 at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

DJ Tonie Walsh

B*Witched Live at The Outing 2016

Singer Song Writer Adam Matthews Performing at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

Blacknight we are delighted to announce that we are sponsoring The Outing

At Blacknight we’re delighted to announce that we are sponsoring ‘The Outing’, the fourth annual LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival in Lisdoonvarna County Clare: ‘a new twist on an old tradition’.

We sponsor all kinds of events, across the spectrum from business to the arts (and we’ve got another exciting announcement to come later this week). When it comes to The Outing, our message is simple: everyone deserves a weekend away in Clare!

Friends, supporters and members of Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community start planning for a marquee festival like no other in the world. Named as The Outing, this music festival also doubles as a matchmaking festival and is held in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, in the West of Ireland. The town has a population of just over 800 residents! Over the weekend of The Outing grows to thousands. Expect a vibrant atmosphere as gay men, women, trans, drag queens and people from all walks of life from across the world indulge in nonstop revelry. Many members of the community also head here looking for perfect partner for themselves. The festival will be held from October 7 till October 9.
While The Outing remains a celebration of LGBT community, it is also one of the best music, arts and film festivals to attend. It is slowly acquiring a cult LGBT event status across the globe. This is the festival’s fourth year and like every year expects thousands of visitors to descend on this quaint yet picturesque village.

As Panti Bliss said “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of “traditional Irishness” to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish as the Lisdoonvarna Festival.”

The main attraction of this year’s event will once again be The Queen of Ireland, Panti Bliss, who will on hand to do matchmaking alongside Lisdoonvarna own legendary fourth generation matchmaker Willie Daly. The Outing weekend promises non-stop entertainment with live music performances by international Irish girl band B*witched, Eden ‘Electro Pop’ and Jonny Woo, queen of London’s alternative drag scene who will perform his show ‘The Glory – Song Book’ to Le Gateau Chocolat, the baritone drag queen diva star of La Soiree.
Expect nightlong festivities with Club nights that will feature leading DJs John Sizzle from the Glory London among others, DJ Mo (The George Dublin, Club Tease) and Confession Club (Limerick). Those three nights are expected to be the longest, biggest and best ever Maskard Ball to White Love Party.
Another attraction of this fest is the Blind Date event to be hosted by top Irish TV presenter Brendan Courtney. There will also be cruising with their ‘Love Boat’, caving, rock climbing, hiking and biking activities and tours to local attractions such as the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the Father Ted filming locations.

“An LGBT weekend away like no other”, according to festival host Panti Bliss, The Outing is a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands and some of Ireland’s & International best Dj’s, Performers and drag artists. But don’t forget why you’re in Lisdoonvarna in the first place. This is a matchmaking festival and you’re looking for love or friendship.

Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ said Eddie McGuinness Festival Director.
Pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, céilí, a drag workshop, the GAZE Film Festival on tour, an art exhibition and interactive events — The Outing promises to be one heck of a bash that you shouldn’t miss. The streets and pubs of Lisdoonvarna await you at this rainbow celebration.

Naomi Campbell receives invite to The Outing Lisdoonvarna

Naomi Campbell receives invite to The Outing Lisdoonvarna

A limited edition signed book on the life of one of the world’s most iconic supermodels is to go on display in a hotel in County Clare.

‘Naomi’, the exclusive two volume edition published by Taschen features famous photos chronicling the life of Naomi Campbell and is one of only 1200 copies published, worldwide. It also includes a 3-D cover shaped like her famous bust designed by Pop Art legend Allen Jones.

The book has been purchased by Clare hotelier Marcus White, following his invite to the model to launch ‘The Outing’ LGBT festival in October.

Marcus White, director of the White Hotel Group said: “We bought book no: 0443 of 1200 printed with a personal message from Naomi saying; “Love and respect, Naomi xxx”

“Naomi Campbell is one of the world’s original supermodels and at 45 she is still at the height of her career. In the past she has been controversial but she has now reinvented herself and has become a global icon.

“We have been in contact with Naomi Campbell’s agent and asked him to invite her to launch ‘The Outing’ LGBT festival in Lisdoonvarna in October.

“The agent recently told us that the invitation is still being considered and we should know soon if she will come to the festival.

“If she came to Lisdoonvarna, it would really capture the attention of the worlds’ press and give us a level of publicity that has never been seen here before. We have had celebrities at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in the past, but Naomi Campbell is really on a different level.

“She has established herself as one of the top three most recognisable models of her generation and I have huge amount of respect for the lady.

The new book includes an image of Naomi’s historic 1989 Vogue US cover that was the first September issue under the editorship of Anna Wintour.

Julie Carr, Press officer for the Lisdoonvarna festival said: “Naomi Campbell has worked hard in her life to overcome prejudices especially in the modelling world and is an inspiration.

We would be honoured to have her launch ‘The Outing LGBT” festival which is now in its 4th year and is going from strength to strength.”

The Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival, now in its 160th year is being launched by Ireland’s top country music stars Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan on the 2nd-4th September. Tickets for this event are selling fast and available on Ticketmaster.ie, the Hydro Hotel and in the Spar shop in Lisdoonvarna.

For more information on the event go to www.matchmakerireland.com.

Follow the Rainbow to Ireland and find love at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

PHOTO CAPTION

Jumping for Joy The Outing at The Holiday World Show 2016

Discover a variety of breathtaking destinations

at the Holiday World Show Dublin

Dublin, 21st January, 2016 Discover a variety of breathtaking holiday destinations at the Holiday World Show Dublin taking place in the RDS Simmonscourt from tomorrow, Friday 22nd January, through to Sunday, 24th January. Models Kerri-Nicole and Nathan are pictured exploring the exhibition stands at the RDS Simmonscourt.

The Outing LGBT Music & Matchmaking Festival the first Gay Company to showcase at the Holiday World Show Dublin

Jumping for Joy The Outing at The Holiday World Show 2016

Follow the Rainbow to Ireland

Following their triumphant turn in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in 2015 and best float win at the Sydney Saint Patrick’s Day festival, the Irish are back, and this year they are bigger, brighter and bolder.

The Mardi Gras Parade which takes place on the 5th March through the streets of Sydney, is in its 38th year. The Ireland float, which will be one of the biggest in this year’s parade with 140 dancers, will be a celebration of Ireland and is proudly supported by the Consulate General of Ireland and Tourism Ireland, and is in collaboration with Sydney Queer Irish.

The float takes its inspiration from Ireland’s original Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. Grace was a fearless seafarer, Chieftain of the O’Malley clan and was the epitome of what it means to be strong, independent and powerful.

Taking the helm of this prestigious float is Ireland’s very own Panti Bliss. Panti, who is a top international Drag Artist, is the star of the hugely successful new documentary ‘The Queen of Ireland’.

Panti Bliss has said, “I’m thrilled to return to Sydney, a city that has been very welcoming of me and my cartoon glamour over the past few years. Working with the team behind the Irish float, it is amazing to experience the passion and commitment that goes in to representing Ireland here in Australia, and I’m honoured to be a part of it”.

Ireland has many festivals and events that cater specifically to the LGBT community, like ‘The Outing’ Lisdoonvarna, which is the world’s first and only LGBT Matchmaking festival and is hosted by none other than Panti Bliss. Now in its fourth year, the festival takes place from the 7th to the 9th October 2016, in the beautiful Burren region of County Clare which is located along the Wild Atlantic Way. Ireland also hosts numerous Pride festivals which take place across the island of Ireland, both Dublin and Belfast’s Pride Festivals run for over five days in June and July.

On May 22, 2015, the Republic of Ireland voted YES to same-sex marriage. Yes to incredible wedding venues. Yes to some of the most romantic locations in the world. And YES to a new twist on old traditions at ‘The Outing’. So what can visitors expect at ‘The Outing’? It’s a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands and some of Ireland’s best drag acts. And some matchmaking…

To see some behind the scenes action from last year’s Irish float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade please check out the links below.

True Love Story as The Outing Lisdoonvarna has its First Wedding

Lesbian couple who met in first year of The Outing Matchmaking festival planning to get married in 2016, after they pop to festival to say thank you to Panti and Willie Daly.

In 2013 in its first year there where many a couple got together and some of those relationships have stayed and have grown. One of these couples who were brought together by Eddie McGuinness and Panti with a helping hand from Willie Daly Last of the traditional matchmaker was Christina Procter and Amy Gavin have now decided to tie the knot and get married in 2016.

33 years old Christina Procter originally from Dublin now residing in Edenderry because Amy kidnapped me since they met! And Amy Gavin originally from Edenderry. 30 years old.

Christina said ‘Amy and I worked for the same company I say she stalked me on Facebook but she’ll never admit it. We had been chatting on Facebook for a few months but never met up’. ‘Then I saw on Facebook she was going to the outing apparently 2 of her straight friends felt bad she was the only single one in their group so they ditched their boyfriends threw her in the car and set off’

I figured this was my chance to meet her face to face so I went down with a few friends. I was already friends with Eddie McGuinness and with Rory O’Neill aka Panti so I told them how much I liked her and how I really wanted to meet her so thankfully Eddie got me tickets and at the matchmaking on the Friday night Panti grabbed me by the arm dragged me over to her’ and Panti said ‘I’ve a feeling you two are just meant to be’. ‘She was so right we are getting married next year and have Eddie and Rory to thank for setting us on our path’ said Christina.

Amy Gavin said ‘We are truly blessed to be able to have Eddie perform our marriage ceremony in February 2016. He is not only a good friend but partly the reason we are together. He has seen our love blossom from the first day we met’.

Eddie McGuinness has been training as a celebrant with Marry Me Ireland since he started The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking Festival in 2013. ‘This will be my first wedding and I am over the moon that it will be lesbian couple too and that Christina is a friend as well’ said Eddie McGuinness. Eddie said ‘I never thought starting out a Gay Matchmaking festival that we could get married in Ireland and now we can plus the skills on now to Match make I have to say was wise words and teaching from the best Willie Daly himself’

Ireland voted to introduce same-sex marriage 22nd May 2015 and On the back of Ireland says ‘I do’: The Marriage Equality Bill was passed this week in the Dail.

This rural alternative to the popular Fire Island in New York to Gay Prides around the world is perfect for Irish and international travellers who want to head a little off the beaten track. Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ as Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’ Join us for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Panti Bliss, host of The Outing, said “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of “traditional Irishness” to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish as the Lisdoonvarna Festival.”

Panti said in the video ‘That wonderful Irish wordsmith Oscar Wilde once said ‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance’ ‘But I tend to think that romance is far, far better when there’s more than your good self in the picture…’.

‘If you’re looking for the love of your life, you’ve come to the right place, because we want to invite you ALL to The Outing – The World’s First EVER LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival’ Panti said

‘Why? Because at its helm is the specialist skills of master matchmaker, Willie Daly and myself on standby just to see can I even match make…’.said Panti

‘There’ll be plenty of fun, laughter and the very best of Old Ireland, with music, dancing and plenty of craic…This is New Twist on an old tradition’

‘And the setting? Who could ask for a more incredible backdrop than County Clare’s Lisdoonvarna on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This little village has been matchmaking since way back in the 1850s!’

‘Panti said ‘And if love does blossom – with or without Willie’s help – you never know where it could lead, perhaps even marriage? And we’ve kind of got that covered, too – as now same sex couples can get married in the Republic of Ireland’.

This rural alternative to the popular Fire Island in New York to Gay Prides around the world is perfect for Irish and international travellers who want to head a little off the beaten track. Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ as Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’ Join us for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Details of entertainment, hotel accommodation, local activities and ticket sales are available at www.theouting.ie

€199 per person sharing or €239 for a single room, The Outing package comprises a luxury hotel stay with full Irish breakfast, and access to all entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Outing supports and sponsors BeLonG To, who celebrate over 10 years of support services for LGBT young people in Ireland. BeLonG To is currently working to develop a network of support groups in small towns and villages around Ireland and applauds the lead Lisdoonvarna has taken in welcoming LGBT people. (Further details on The Outing website here.

Artist Images 2015

Katherine Lynch live At The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking & Music festival

Horse Meat Disco (London)

‘Walking on Sun Shine’ at The Outing offshoot of the historical Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival Ireland

Press Release

‘Walking on Sun Shine’ at The Outing offshoot of the historical Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival Ireland

Katrina (ex Katrina & The Waves) headlines this year’s festival

It’s 30 years since one of the BIGGEST Summer Time Classics! ”Walking on Sunshine”. What better way to celebrate than with the orginal lead vocalist Katrina?
Katrina (ex Katrina & The Waves) is going to be playing live at The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Music & Matchmaking Festival 2nd – 4th October 2015. In 1997 Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine A Light’ won the Eurovision Song Contest with the largest ever margin,

This rural alternative to the popular Fire Island in New York to Gay Prides around the world is perfect for Irish and international travellers who want to head a little off the beaten track. Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ as Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’ Join us for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Panti Bliss, host of The Outing, said “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of “traditional Irishness” to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish as the Lisdoonvarna Festival.”

This is the LGBT music festival to be at. We take over this wee village; their hotels, bars, and venues for the weekend 2nd, 3rd & 4th of October 2015. This weekend is not just for gays and lesbians (LGBT) and it doesn’t matter if you are taken (lucky you!)…. “It great fun and unlike anything else anywhere in the world, a unique experience, as Irish as it is gay!” said Panti Bliss

We’re inviting everyone to The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking and Music Festival, straight or otherwise. Our weekend is full of entertainment and has something to suit everyone, so bring your friends along too! This is a party not to be missed as ‘It’s All About Love’ and finding the person of your dreams while having fun, Irish style.

Find out more here www.theouting.ie
Bio
Katrina Leskanich is the lead singer from the Grammy nominated band, Katrina & The Waves. The band got their first break in 1984 when The Bangles covered their song, ‘Going Down to Liverpool’.
In 1985 ‘Walking on Sunshine’ was a top ten hit all around the globe and has since featured in countless advertisements and films including, High Fidelity, Secret of My Success, American Psycho and Walking on Sunshine and it’s been covered by Dolly Parton and was a mash up with Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ sung by the Glee cast. Follow up hits were, ‘Do You Crying’ (US Top 40), ‘Sun Street’ (UK Top 30), ‘That’s The Way’ (US #16). Katrina also sang back up vocals on ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglio and has recorded songs with Eric Burdon and Rick Wakeman. In 1997 Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine A Light’ won the Eurovision Song Contest with the largest ever margin, followed by an unprecedented four consecutive appearances on Top Of The Pops and a No. 3 in the UK Charts. Following the split with the Waves in 1999 Katrina pursued an alternative career on radio and TV. She was a TV presenter on Watchdog on BBC1 and had her own show on BBC Radio 2 – where she presented a three-hour show, five days a week. This was followed by a stint in musical theatre, where Katrina played the lead role (the songwriter Ellie Greenwich) in Leader of the Pack, singing some of the songs that had influenced her as a young singer. Katrina published her first book – Peggy Lee Loves London: My London Guide (Metropoodle Press 2013) about some cool places in London featuring her toy poodle, Peggy Lee. Katrina has performed with her band at festivals and shows in the UK, Europe, South Africa, Canada, Australia and the US where she’s recently completed a couple of North American tours.
2015 is the 30th anniversary of ‘Walking on Sunshine’ and Katrina has just released her new single, ‘Sun Coming Upper’ (a response to ‘Walking on Sunshine’ 30 years on) from her first studio album in 10 years – ‘Blisland’.
For more information on Katrina please visit her site www.katrinasweb.com

Press Release: Three of The Guest Artists all helping you look for Love at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

Three of The Guest Artists all helping you look for Love at The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking Festival

‘It’s All About Love’ at the world’s 1st LGBT Matchmaking Festival as part of the historic 157 year old Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival Co.Clare Ireland..

After the success of last year’s event, visitors from around the world are on their way back to Lisdoonvarna village in Co. Clare in the West of Ireland. The World Famous 158 year old Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is going Gay for the second year in a row. ‘Not The Only Gay in This Village’ Hosted by Panti

As part of the festival this year there will be ‘An Evening with Brian Kennedy’ live in The Hydro Ballroom this will be up close and personal evening. This will be Brian’s 1st LGBT concert after doing a PA at Dublin Pride a few years back. Brian will be also coming to enjoy the whole weekend and looking for Love too himself.

“I’m honoured to be part of the soundtrack of change on the island of Ireland for the LGBT Community. Can’t wait to sing for you all and let’s see how many hearts find a home Love BK x”.said Brian Kennedy

Another special guest this year Mr Gay World 2014-Stuart Hatton Jr who is a Professional Ballroom, Classical and Latin American Dance Champion and The reigning Mr Gay UK and runner up at Mr Gay Europe 2014. At The Outing Lisdoonvarna 2014, Stuart will be on hand for our afternoon Tea Dance on Saturday and Sunday afternoons running our dance classes. Stuart Hatton said ‘I am very much looking forward to seeing you all in class where we can all get up close and personal and enjoy afternoon of dancing in the west of Ireland’.

Stuart also specialises in aerial dance work such as silks, rope, trapeze, pole and stilts.

He is co-principal at the family dance studios in Newcastle, England and has done this for 13 years. He has trained several British Champions and British Formation Teams over the years.
Fitness is a key part of Stuart’s life and has helped him in his modelling career working with brands such as Adidas, Swarovski and Andrew Christian.

Blind Date with Brendan Courtney and Brendan is one of our best Irish television presenters and fashion stylists and one of the first openly gay presenters in Ireland. He has hosted Wanderlust on RTÉ Two, The Brendan Courtney Show on TV3, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway on ITV2, Blind Date on ITV2, Love Match on ITV1, Look of Love on ITV1, The Clothes Showon UKTV and Off the Rails on RTÉ One.

With his own style and flair Brendan will be on hand to bring back ‘Blind Date’ Cilla Black style to the heart of The Outing Lisdoonvarna, in the Matchmaking Bar and The Hydro Hotel. After last years Blind Date Event which was a great hit we are making it even better this year with Brendan on hand with his ‘Wanderlust‘ touch. ‘It’s All About Love ‘ this year and he will help you find ‘Love’ or just a good time….

In 2014, The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival will come to life with more entertainment, more clubs, more DJ’s, some comedy and more craic to be had by all! This is the LGBT music festival to be at as we take over the historic village of Lisdoonvarna, its hotels, its bars, and its venues for the whole weekend, from the 3rd – 6th October.

As Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’. Join us all for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Press Release: ‘It’s All About Love’

‘It’s All About Love’ at the world’s 1st LGBT Matchmaking Festival as part of the historic Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival.

After the success of last year’s event, visitors from around the world are on their way back to Lisdoonvarna village in Co. Clare in the West of Ireland. The World Famous 157 year old Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is going Gay for the second year in a row.

Drag High-Queen of Ireland, and National F##King Treasure, Panti Bliss said “The first LGBT weekend in Lisdoonvarna was SO much fun last year so I am really looking forward to doing it all again this year. Who’d have thought bringing a bunch of gays down to a small country village in the West of Ireland would have been such great craic?! Oh that’s right… everybody”.

In 2014, The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking and Music Festival will come to life with more entertainment, more clubs, more DJ’s, some comedy and more craic to be had by all! This is the LGBT music festival to be at as we take over the historic village of Lisdoonvarna, its hotels, its bars, and its venues for the whole weekend, from the 3rd – 6th October. As Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!”. Join us all for music, fun and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Panti, who will host the weekend as Mistress of Ceremonies and “Queen of Hearts” shared her excitement, “Last year I even got to try my hand at a bit of matchmaking and my success rate wasn’t too shabby. And this year Brian Kennedy will be on hand to sing at any shotgun weddings so potentially I could pull off something big! Lisdoonvarna’s own legendary matchmaker Willie Daly has some overly-made up competition. No, not Brendan Courtney! I mean me. Though Brendan will be there to set up some blind dates so if anything goes wrong I’ll just blame him” said Panti Bliss host of The Outing Lisdoonvarna.

As part of the festival this year there will be ‘An Evening with Brian Kennedy’ live in The Hydro Ballroom. This will be Brian’s 1st LGBT concert after doing a PA at Dublin Pride a few years back.

“I’m honoured to be part of the soundtrack of change on the island of Ireland for the LGBT Community. Can’t wait to sing for you all and let’s see how many hearts find a home

Love BK x”.

After last year Lisdoonvarna residents and local business owners voiced their enthusiasm for what they see as a welcome new twist on the generations-old festival, which looks set to bring a new sector of tourists to the area. Fourth generation matchmaker, Willie Daly, will be present during The Outing’s weekend and feels ready to bring some new couples together again this year! “Matchmaking has always been about love”, he said. This year’s festival theme is ‘It’s All About Love’.

The Outing comprises a weekend package of hotel accommodation and full entertainment, fusing old Ireland with gay club life as céilís sit next to drag shows and tea dances lead into late night DJ sets. Event Director Eddie McGuinness has worked with club events for several years and says that the unique and novel fusion on offer here was what enticed him to put together The Outing. “Traditional Irish events like céilí dances have had it right for hundreds of years“, says Eddie, “They’re a perfect way to meet new people in a lively, comfortable and fun atmosphere. We’re taking the best of old Ireland – music, dancing and matchmaking – and putting it together with the variety of entertainment on offer in the LGBT community. It was a very effective combination last year!”

The Outing are working together with Marriage Equality this year, “Marriage Equality is delighted that this year The Outing Lisdoonvarna is teaming up with us to raise awareness about next year’s referendum on civil marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples. This year’s theme ‘It’s All About Love’ is close to our hearts because that’s what marriage equality is all about – love, commitment, equality and family. Gay and lesbian couples want to be able to get married for all the same reasons as every other couple because they love each other, want to make a public commitment to each other and protect their loved ones. We hope that lots of happy couples who meet at this year’s festival have the choice to marry after next year’s referendum” said Moninne Griffith Co-Director Marriage Equality.

Also working with Gay Switchboard and BelongTo LGBT Youth Group, who work on raising awareness of issue for the LGBT community here in Ireland. The Outing will be raising much needed funds for these hard working and worthwhile community groups.

“As Willie Daly says at the end of the day it’s about love — that’s what the matchmaking festival has always been about“, said Eddie McGuinness, adding “Ireland is leading the world on a lot of gay issues and hopefully we will have same sex marriage soon, so the time is right for something like this to take place. Last year we were looking at attracting people from Ireland and Britain and got them and with our 1st booking this year from New York this is now going to become a very big international event.”

Mr Marcus White, owner of Hydro Hotel and Lisdoonvara Matchmaking Festival sees this as a modern take on an old tradition. “We are trying to put a different twist on the festival. It is going to be same as any other matchmaking weekend — we will have entertainment, music and dancing — but this will be a gay and lesbian weekend as part of the month long festival”

Tickets 3 Nights for The Price of 2 at €199 per person sharing, Full Irish Breakfast and comprising a 3-star Hydro hotel stay etc. and access to the full program of festival events at The Outing’s Matchmaking Weekend, Now on Sale.

The Hydro Hotel is a superior 3 star hotel located in the historic spa resort town of Lisdoonvarna.
Facilities include: 110 newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms mostly overlooking The Burren and Clare hills. Original 19th century architecture and decor maintained.

The world famous Cliffs of Moher are a few miles away and now boast a state of the art Visitors’ Centre, with stunning video installations.

Promotional Posters 2014

Press Release: PANTI IS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A MAN AT LISDOONVARNA, AS TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR “THE OUTING”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
PANTI IS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A MAN AT LISDOONVARNA, AS TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR “THE OUTING”

Presiding over Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival’s first ever gay weekend as “Mistress of Ceremonies” is Dublin drag-queen Panti. Dubbed “high queen of Ireland” in the LGBT community, she’ll be fresh from a run of her Abbey-Peacock Theatre show when she heads west for The Outing, and hosting the festivities isn’t the only thing on her mind. She’s hoping to enlist the help of Willie Daly – the fourth-generation “last true Matchmaker in Ireland” – to help her snare a man: “I’m looking forward to bring some gay glitter to Lisdoonvarna, and in between the dancing and the craic, trying to find the perfect match that has so far eluded me. Watch out Lisdoonvarna, I’m determined to get my man!”

The world’s first Gay and Lesbian Matchmaking weekend kicks off with céili dancing, a live show from Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh, and incredible club sets from the DJs of The Dragon Dublin On Tour and Club Tease.

Jonny Woo, Queen of London’s Alternative Drag Scene – rated 5 stars by Time Out Magazine and The New York Times – will be flying in to provide a live show on the Saturday Night, and will certainly bring an international sparkle to the sleepy Clare town.

Dónal Mulligan, (co-Director of the event with Eddie McGuinness) who said the entertainment list continues to grow, feels that the mix of traditional and contemporary is a substantial draw; “Where else would you find a tea dance hosted by a drag-queen, where you can start your evening with a gentle waltz, or a set-dance, before it accelerates to incredible live acts and sets by the best DJs on the gay club scene in Ireland. Nothing like this has happened before and we think it’s going to become an annual fixture!”

McGuinness and Mulligan have worked with local attractions and activities to provide deals for their guests, who can enjoy the likes of Cliffs of Moher cruises, Burren hikes, caving, rock-climbing, surfing and more – a broad selection of ways to spend the day with that potential new partner, before heading back to the dance floor.

Tickets for the event went on sale this week and are reported to be selling strongly. “We’re delighted to see so many sold in just the first few days”, said Eddie McGuinness (co-Director of the event with Dónal), “but we’re not surprised – it’s a new and very fun festival, with great entertainment and a beautiful hotel stay among the most scenic landscapes in Ireland.”

Details of entertainment, hotel accommodation, local activities and ticket sales are available at www.theouting.ie

€199 per person sharing or €239 for a single room, The Outing package comprises a luxury hotel stay with full Irish breakfast, and access to all entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Outing supports and sponsors BeLonG To, who celebrate 10 years of support services for LGBT young people in Ireland. BeLonG To is currently working to develop a network of support groups in small towns and villages around Ireland and applauds the lead Lisdoonvarna has taken in welcoming LGBT people. (Further details on The Outing website here. A video detailing BeLonG To’s 10 years is available here.)

For those of you looking for love (or just fun-seekers!), each year Matchmaker Ireland revisits this tradition in the small village of Lisdoonvarna, in a series of events that make up the famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (30th August 2013 – 29th September 2013) – 5 Great weeks of celebration of love, music and dancing for singles and couples.

The village of Lisdoonvarna is a lovely spot in itself, and there are 13 pubs in Lisdoonvarna with music playing from 12 noon till 2 am in the morning throughout the month-long festival during August/September. Lisdoonvarna also has the only natural spa water in Ireland, so squeezing in a visit there is worthwhile.

Press Release: Launch of The Outing; 15 May 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

“A new twist on old traditions” – the historic Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival opens with a Gay & Lesbian weekend for the first time.

Dublin, Ireland, 15 May 2013 (launching “Lisdoonvarna – The Outing” which takes place 30 August – 01 September 2013)

Drag High-Queen of Ireland, Panti, stepped out in the summer sun this week to launch an exciting first; the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, which has taken place in the small Co. Clare town for over 150 years, is going gay! The historic festival opens its 2013 program with a lesbian and gay weekend dubbed “The Outing“, as the town makes plans to welcome LGBT tourists in search of love and merriment in the beautiful Burren landscape. Panti, who will host the weekend as Mistress of Ceremonies and “Queen of Hearts” shared her excitement: “I do love interfering in other people’s love lives so I can’t wait to get to Lisdoonvarna and start meddling. It’s going to be great craic and I expect to be buying quite a few ostentatious wedding hats afterwards”

Many Lisdoonvarna residents and local business owners have already voiced their enthusiasm for what they see as a welcome new twist on the generations-old festival, which looks set to bring a new sector of tourists to the area. Fourth generation matchmaker, Willie Daly, will be present during The Outing’s weekend and feels ready to bring some new couples together; “Matchmaking has always been about love”, he said.

The Outing comprises a weekend package of hotel accomodation and full entertainment schedule, fusing old Ireland with gay club life as céilís sit next to drag shows and tea dances lead into late night DJ sets. Event Directors Eddie McGuinness and Dónal Mulligan have worked with club events for several years and say that the unique and novel fusion on offer here was what enticed them to put together The Outing. “Traditional Irish events like céilí dances have had it right for hundreds of years“, says Mulligan, “they’re a perfect way to meet new people in a lively, comfortable and fun atmosphere. We’re taking the best of old Ireland – music, dancing and matchmaking – and putting it together with the variety of entertainment on offer in the LGBT community. We think it’s going to be a very effective combination!”

McGuinness and Mulligan are working together with BelongTo, whose work they hope to raise awareness of and funding for through The Outing. BelongTo is an organisation that assists LGBT young people in Ireland by building support networks and creating educational campaigns on issues like homophobic bullying in schools. BelongTo is currently in the process of setting up regional support groups for young people in many rural towns across the country and has already seen other similarly warm receptions toward the gay community in other small towns.

“As Willie Daly says at the end of the day it’s about love — thats what the matchmaking festival has always been about“, said Eddie McGuinness, adding “Ireland is leading the world on a lot of gay issues and hopefully we will have gay marriage soon, so the time is right for something like this to take place. We have a five-year plan for this event. This year we are looking at attracting people from Ireland and Britain but this is going to become a very big international event.”

Mr Marcus White, owner of Hydro Hotel and Lisdoonvara Matchmaking Festival sees this as a modern take on an old tradition .“We are trying to put a different twist on the festival. It is going to be same as any other matchmaking weekend — we will have entertainment, music and dancing — but this will be a gay and lesbian weekend.”

Additional Interviews:

Notes to Editor:

Tickets at €199 per person sharing, and comprising a 3-star Hydro hotel stay and access to the full program of festival events at The Outing’s Matchmaking Weekend, go on sale next week.

The Hydro Hotel is a superior 3 star hotel located in the historic spa resort town of Lisdoonvarna.
Facilities include: 110 newly refurbished ensuite bedrooms mostly overlooking The Burren and Clare hills. Original 19th century architecture and decor maintained.

The world famous Cliffs of Moher are a few miles away and now boast a state of the art Visitors’ Centre, with stunning video installations.

ENDS

Panti calls on the World’s Gays & Lesbians (LGBT) to come to West of Ireland to find Love at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

Press Release 20/09/2015

Panti calls on the World’s Gays & Lesbians (LGBT) to come to West of Ireland to find Love at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

On the back of Ireland says ‘I do’: The Marriage Equality Bill will be passed this week in the Dail.

Panti said in the video ‘That wonderful Irish wordsmith Oscar Wilde once said ‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance’ ‘But I tend to think that romance is far, far better when there’s more than your good self in the picture…’.

‘If you’re looking for the love of your life, you’ve come to the right place, because we want to invite you ALL to The Outing – The World’s First EVER LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival’ Panti said

‘Why? Because at its helm is the specialist skills of master matchmaker, Willie Daly and myself on standby just to see can I even match make…’.said Panti

‘There’ll be plenty of fun, laughter and the very best of Old Ireland, with music, dancing and plenty of craic…This is New Twist on an old tradition’

‘And the setting? Who could ask for a more incredible backdrop than County Clare’s Lisdoonvarna on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This little village has been matchmaking since way back in the 1850s!’

‘Panti said ‘And if love does blossom – with or without Willie’s help – you never know where it could lead, perhaps even marriage? And we’ve kind of got that covered, too – as now same sex couples can get married in the Republic of Ireland’.

This rural alternative to the popular Fire Island in New York to Gay Prides around the world is perfect for Irish and international travellers who want to head a little off the beaten track. Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ as Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’ Join us for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Details of entertainment, hotel accommodation, local activities and ticket sales are available at www.theouting.ie

€199 per person sharing or €239 for a single room, The Outing package comprises a luxury hotel stay with full Irish breakfast, and access to all entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Outing supports and sponsors BeLonG To, who celebrate over 10 years of support services for LGBT young people in Ireland. BeLonG To is currently working to develop a network of support groups in small towns and villages around Ireland and applauds the lead Lisdoonvarna has taken in welcoming LGBT people. (Further details on The Outing website here.